MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | MONDAY MEMO | 5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR RECEPTION

MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | MONDAY MEMO | 5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR RECEPTION

#SevenWeddingSeptember has been crazy good to me. Wedding season has hit an all time peak this month, but it has been nothing short of amazing. The couples, the beautifully planned details, their families and guests, the WEATHER, and all the candid moments have made this month so memorable. Not just for the newlyweds I’ve been working with, but for me! I am such a lucky gal to do what I do.

One thing that I’ve noticed is that 2017 couples continue to step up their game. They dress to impress, but the PLAN to impress as well. I’ve experienced some awesome weddings over the past few weeks. This inspired me to write a little blog about rocking your reception! After all, if you’re happy and your guests are happy.. it’s a recipe for an EPIC night.

Rock the Party that Rocks the Party:

Step One: Custom Cocktails (and/or Mocktails)!

Come up with his and hers craft cocktails to feature at the bar. Think about your color scheme, seasonal elements, and aesthetics. Get everyone in the mood to loosen up and have a good time during cocktail hour while you finish photos! Don’t forget about activities like lawn games, live entertainment, or a fun small plate assortment.

Step Two: Strike up the Band!

Wrap up toasts while folks wrap up dinner. Nothing kills the mood like waiting. Most guests are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to hit the dance floor. Be sure a formal “opening of the dance floor” is scheduled into your reception. Consider hiring a band over a DJ, but be sure they are a great MC. This person/group will host your reception and engage people throughout the night. Choose entertainment that matches your energy, and the party will follow suit.

Step Three: Booty on the Dance Floor!

Guests gravitate toward the newlyweds. If you want to dance and enjoy the party, do just that. Everyone WILL come to you. The day will be a whirlwind and while you can’t control time, you can control your ability to enjoy it. Positioning yourself where you’re most likely to have fun will allow attendees to migrate to you. You can still hug, chat, and selfie on the dance floor.. or by the cake.. or at your sweetheart table! It’s your day. Choose your own adventure. ;)

Step Four: Pass out Party Favors!

Get your friends and family excited about the party. Pass out glow sticks, light-up wands, or blow up guitars. Whatever your style, pass the fun along. Find a way to give guests an interactive favor that will keep them engaged. This makes for SUPER fun photos, too! Photo booths are also a fail-safe way to please invitees. Put a twist on this by hiring a photo BUS like the Lil Photo Bus, or leaving an Instax camera out for guests to use candidly.

Step Five: Save the Best for Last!

Announce on your program what will be happening throughout your reception. This will entice people to stay for the whole event and celebrate as much as they can with you! Plan a late night snack for guests, save the best songs for the end, and advertise your grand exit. You’ll have a great party and everyone will still be there to see you off with sparklers, confetti, or bubbles! I mean.. why shouldn’t the last photo of the night be just as awesome as the others?

Overall…

My best piece of advice is to focus on the fun. You will wait long for the day to pass you by quickly, so soak up every moment that you can. Make memories, enjoy what you’ve planned and invested in, and relax knowing your guests are loving it-too! Focus on the fun and it really will be the BEST DAY EVER.

-Ash

PHOTOGRAPHY | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BOOTH BUS | LIL PHOTO BUS

VENUES (TOP TO BOTTOM) | THE GRAND, STONE MANOR (X2), ELKRIDGE FURNACE INN, LOEWS ANNAPOLIS HOTEL (X2)

BAND | WHAT’S NEXT